On Campus: Big Red Express

Anissa Hoffman, a sophomore music education major from North Platte, was raised in a home rich with Husker traditions. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be part of Big Red Express (BRE) and perform at Nebraska athletics events. Throughout her time in BRE, Anissa has become part of the game day experience and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Talk about why you decided to apply to Nebraska, and specifically join the Big Red Express Band.

I decided to apply to Nebraska because I was raised in a home rich in Husker tradition. So, when it came time to start applying to schools, UNL was one of the first schools on my list to apply to. I decided to join the Big Red Express because I love going to Husker sports and I also love playing my instrument. I had seen enough of it going to various sporting events growing up that I knew I wanted to be part of it.

What is your favorite part about performing?

Basketball games are fun because we get to play a lot and so many fans complement us. I love volleyball because I have been stopped by fans who always say that one of the reasons, they come to games is to hear us play and perform. I’ve been told numerous times that people love everything we do, and they love what we stand for and what we do for athletics. I’m also part of the marching band and my favorite part about football games is not just going to the games to watch and experience the atmosphere, but it’s to be the atmosphere.

Is there a specific memory you have made during your time with Big Red Express that stands out to you?

One of my favorite memories that I have ever made during Big Red Express was going to Chicago for the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament. A bunch of us decided that we wanted to go see the city, so we got all-day $5 bus passes and went downtown. While we were roaming downtown Chicago, we got stopped by two Michigan State fans who said that they went to every Big Ten arena to watch a game and they said that Nebraska’s was by far their favorite, and that they loved everything that happens there: the band, the cheerleaders, the game, the players, everything.

How will your involvement in Big Red Express help you in the future?

I believe that, as a future educator, it is important for me to understand how an ensemble like this works. Being in this ensemble, I am not only gaining experience ensemble-wise, but have gained amazing friendships through this experience. Carrying on those relationship values going forward is extremely important to me.

What or who inspires/motivates you?

The thing that absolutely motivates me to be my best is the ability to play in such a well-known school in a highly-regarded ensemble. It is such an honor to be part of this as well as be able to travel and represent our university on that kind of level.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to be involved in Big Red Express?

DO IT. I have gained so many valuable experiences by being a part of this ensemble. I have gotten the opportunity to travel with the band to Minneapolis and to Chicago for two tournaments. I have made so many friends and so many lasting memories with those people that I will never ever forget. It’s also great getting to be the game day experience, and not just seeing it. People are always proud of what we do, and it is fantastic to be part of something at UNL at such a high level.

What does it mean to you to be a Husker?

I absolutely love this question because being raised in a very Husker-rich home, being part of the Husker family was always part of our culture and a way of life. Being the first-generation Husker out of 4 UNK Loper graduates, I have a sense of pride in saying that I’m a Husker and that I get to be part of such a rich culture and tradition in a place like Lincoln.

Is there a specific individual (faculty or staff member) at Nebraska who has made a lasting impact on you? If so, who?

This is such a tough question because there are just so many. The School of Music here at the University of Nebraska is always so welcoming and inviting. If I had to narrow it down to just two, I would say Rose Johnson and Doug Bush. Rose is one of our administrative techs for the marching band and she is the sweetest lady that I know. She puts in a lot of time into making sure that game days and many other things run the way that they should. I’ve also learned a lot from Professor Bush in the sense that he has shown me a good work ethic and he has given me multiple opportunities to be the kind of musician that I want to be and to just be immersed in Husker culture.

What is something you’ve learned that will stick with you after you graduate?

I’ve learned the importance of a good work ethic since being at the University of Nebraska. It’s one thing to show up and try but it’s another thing to put in more time and work to get what you want from your college experience. I didn’t get to go on two trips just because I went to the games I was assigned. I had to be a good player and I had to show up for extra things and put in extra time to get to do that. I really appreciate how the University Bands program has taught me how to work harder than I ever have.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I hope to teach private saxophone lessons and teach kids about the very thing that I love most. I was really blessed with all the musical things that I have gotten to experience, and I want to share those possibilities with all the students I encounter in my teaching career. I believe that teaching is not something you just come to school every day and do. Like Husker culture, it’s a way of life and you get to make a lasting impact on your students. I want to leave a lasting impact on my students so that they can say they learned something while also having a good relationship with their teacher.

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